Each year, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service conducts a nationwide survey to gather data and compile a report showing average cash rental rates across the United States.  These results are based upon the survey responses from landowners and producers around the country.  Please note that all reported cash rent amounts are listed in a per acre/per year format.

Photo by Jake Gard on Unsplash

To view the database with the data for each state, click here.  To view the database with data for each county in the US, click here.

To see a chart listing the cash rents by county for Texas, click here Here’s how things broke down in the Lone Star State.

Pastureland

The statewide average for pastureland was $8.20/acre, which is down $0.30 from last year. The highest pastureland rental rates were reported in Bowie and Delta Counties at $22/acre and Bell County at $21/acre.  Conversely, the lowest reported pastureland lease averages were in West Texas with Winkler County at $0.90, Hudspeth at $1, and Presidio at $1.40

Irrigated Cropland

The Texas average lease rate for irrigated cropland was $117/acre, up $4 from 2023.  For 2024, the highest average reported lease rates were in Hartley County ($229/acre) and Gaines County ($194/acre).  The lowest reported rates for irrigated cropland came from Chambers County at $39.  

Non-Irrigated Cropland

Statewide non-irrigated cropland lease rates averaged $31.50/acre, which is a $0.50/acre increase from the prior year.  The highest reported rental for non-irrigated cropland was found in San Patricio County at $88/acre and in Willacy County at $75.50/acre.  On the other hand, the lowest rates came from Llano County at $6.50/acre, Sutton County at $7.60/acre, and Kimble County at $7.90/acre. 

District Summary

Dr. Greg Kaase pulled together the following table showing the average cash lease rates for 2023 and 2024 for each of Texas’ regions.

More Information

For more information on agricultural leases, we’ve got a number of resources available.  If you’d like to see another report that includes average lease rates, click here to see a blog post about the Texas Rural Land Value Trends Report.  To read about agricultural leases, check out Chapter 11 of the  Owning Your Piece of Texas Handbook or our Ranchers Agricultural Leasing Handbook.  We also have podcast episodes specifically discussing grazing, farm, and hunting leases.  Lastly, we’ve got a course specifically geared to grazing and hunting leases that is available live (2024 dates to be announced in December) or online (available anytime, on demand).